Valentine as season’s start looms

often than I was when I was down in Sydney. I’d just come back on bye weeks or at the end of the season.

“I really enjoy and soak up that I’m back home.

“Everyone always says as long as your lifestyle at home’s good you should be able to perform well at work.”

The 24-year-old has been named at fullback in a strong it

NORTH Queensland has given an early indication of their opening round squad with an almost full-strength side to take on Melbourne Storm at Casey Fields.

With only Josh Mcguire (knee, Round 2) and Scott Drinkwater (pec, indefinite) out through injury, it is a top line side ready to rehash a rivalry that featured in the 2017 NRL decider.

Young gun Murray Taulagi will also remain home in Townsville as he nurses a knee injury he picked up in a heavy collision during the Broncos trial last weekend.

Justin O’neill will move to the wing for the trial, with Tom Opacic slotting back into the centres inside Kyle Feldt. Esan Marsters will also return to the side after his successful effort with Maori All Stars last weekend.

Gavin Cooper will get his first game of the pre-season starting in the second row with Coen Hess, while Mitch Dunn, Shane Wright and Corey Jensen will come off the bench.

Despite his heroics during the Broncos trial starting in the front row, Francis Molo has shifted back to the bench with John Asiata partnering Jordan Mclean in the starting side. The Storm trial will be livestreamed on Kayo at 4.20pm (AEST). line-up for the Cowboys’ final trial match against the Storm this Saturday.

After playing reduced minutes in Cairns, Holmes admitted he’d like to play the full game this weekend.

“We’re definitely going to treat it as a proper game – this will be our last test before we start playing week in, week out,” he said.

“I’m sure we’re going to have a good team and get our combinations right.”

The Queensland flyer said he wasn’t fazed by the growing media spotlight surrounding his return to the NRL, as his teammates had made the process seamless.

“All the boys are easy going, nice and welcoming. It’s been great,” he said.